US20080053448A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080053448A1
Application number: US11/513,966
Authority: US
Inventors: Regina B. Liska
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-31
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

An improved nasal filter is provided which includes a pair of filter housings joined by a flexible bridge. The bridge is adapted to conform and removably adhere to the outer contour of the nasal columella or nose tip of a user's nose. The filter housings are oval-shaped and include a filter-insert cavity. The filter-insert cavity is adapted to receive and removably hold a disposable filter element therein. The filter housings are formed of a soft, shape-memory material adapted to flexibly accommodate the anatomy of the internal nasal passages of a nose. The improved nasal filter is adapted to improve the quality of air inhaled by individuals while providing a comfortable, quick, easy, and efficient customized fit.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 603,061 filed on Jul. 3, 2006 under 35 U.S.C. §122, 37 C.F.R. §1.14, and MPEP §1706. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to filters and, more particularly, to an improved, custom-fit nasal filter.

2. Description of the Related Art

The human body is penetrated by many airborne contaminants and pollutants. Millions of people across the globe are afflicted by upper respiratory symptoms which typically stem from allergic reactions to the airborne pollutants.

As a result, a variety of nasal filters to filter incoming air as well as air purifiers have been developed over the years. These nasal filter devices include the nasal-insertion type as well as devices incorporating clamps or clips for being clipped to the septum portion of the nose. However, none of these devices are adapted to accommodate a variety of different-sized noses in a manner which provides a “custom-fit.”

Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved, custom-fit nasal filter adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient. The development of the improved nasal filter fulfills this need.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.

The following patents disclose various nasal filter devices:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,491, issued in the name of Mattila;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,117, issued in the name of Gershuny;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,629, issued in the name of Patterson, Jr.;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,509, issued in the name of Nebel;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,501 B2, issued in the name of Michaels;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,426, issued in the name of Sakamoto;

U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,924 B1, issued in the name of Land, Jr. et al.; and

U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,262, issued in the name of Tovey.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,425, issued in the name of Altadonna, Jr. discloses an odor-desensitizing intra-nasal clip for dental patients, which can be inserted into the nasal passages.

Consequently, a need has been felt for an improved, custom-fit nasal filter adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a unique, custom-fit nasal filter.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a nasal filter adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a nasal filter having a filter element impregnated with various aromas, pleasant-smelling odorants or fragrance agents, medicaments, or therapeutic agents.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a nasal filter having a pair of filter housings joined by a flexible bridge adapted to flexibly conform and removably adhere via adsorption to an outer contour and configuration of the nasal columella or nose tip of a nose.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alternate nasal filter embodiment which includes a prolate-shaped retainer centrally enveloped within a pad, wherein retainer is adapted to bend to a curvature and hold such curvature.

Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved nasal filter is disclosed. The nasal filter is adapted to improve the quality of air inhaled by individuals while providing a comfortable, quick, easy, and efficient customized fit. Particularly, the nasal filter is adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities.

The nasal filter is comprised of a pair of filter housings joined by a flexible bridge. The bridge is adapted to flexibly conform and removably adhere via adsorption to an outer contour and configuration of the nasal columella or nose tip of a nose. The filter housings are defined generally as having a semi-cylindrical or oval configuration with a filter-insert cavity. The filter-insert cavity is adapted to receive and removably hold a disposable filter element therein. The filter housings are formed of a soft, flexible, shape-memory plastic or polymeric material adapted to flexibly accommodate the anatomy of the internal nasal passages of a nose.

The filter element is of the disposable-type and is fabricated of a porous, absorbent, perforate, lightweight, non-allergenic, fibrous material. The filter element is easily replaceable. The filter element is adapted to be impregnated with various aromas, pleasant-smelling odorants or fragrance agents, medicaments, or therapeutic agents.

The use of the present invention provides an improved, custom-fit nasal filter adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved nasal filter, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof illustrating the annular lip and posterior end of the filter housings;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a nose;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nose;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing illustrating the recess thereof, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing having a filter element housed therein, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the filter element, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of various filter elements, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the improved nasal filter illustrating filter elements housed within filter housings, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view illustrating the peripheral edge, narrow width, and central broad width portions of the membrane, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the bridge;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view illustrating the elongated pad of the alternate embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an acrylic adhesive carrier provided along the lower surface area of the pad; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in-use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2, and5-10, a new and improvednasal filter10 is shown, according to the present invention, adapted for improving the quality of air inhaled by individuals while providing a comfortable, quick, easy, and efficient customized fit. Particularly, the improvednasal filter10 is adapted to capture aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and airborne impurities.

Referring more specifically toFIGS. 1-6,11,12, and14, thenasal filter10 is comprised of a pair offilter housings20 joined by a flexible bridge30 (to be described later in greater detail). Thefilter housings20 include an anterior end20aopposing aposterior end20b. The filter housings20 are defined generally as having a semi-cylindrical or oval configuration with a filter-insert cavity22. The filter-insert cavity22 is adapted to receive and removably hold adisposable filter element40 therein. The filter housings20 are formed of a soft, flexible, shape-memory plastic or polymeric material adapted to flexibly accommodate the anatomy of the internalnasal passages14 of anose12.

The anterior end20aoffilter housings20 defines an annular, bulbousupper surface24 from which an integral,continuous side wall25 extends downwardly therefrom. Theside wall25 tapers slightly from the anterior end20aat bulbousupper surface24 offilter housings20 to theposterior end20bthereof. The bulbousupper surface24 is oriented so as to protrude toward filter-insert cavity22, thereby forming anannular lip23 against whichfilter element40 is buttressed. Theintegral side wall25 includes arecess26 encircling the inner surface thereof. Therecess26 is located generally medially with respect toside wall25 interior.

Thefilter element40 is inserted within the filter-insert cavity22 offilter housings20 in a manner such that an outer periphery offilter element40 flexibly conforms and adapts to the contour ofrecess26 and an upper surface offilter element40 contacts anunderside23aof theannular lip23, thereby snugly affixingfilter element40 withinfilter housings20 untilfilter element40 is desired to be removed by user.

The configuration of the anterior end20aoffilter housings20 allows theannular lip23 thereof to be placed within thenasal passages14 just behind the narrowing of the nostril ala17, or the flesh which surrounds thenostrils16 away from the center of thenose12. Thus, the configuration and the positioning of thefilter housings20 function to gently restrain thenasal filter10 so as to prevent dislodgement during normal daily activities such as walking, talking, working, eating, drinking, and laughing.

The filter housings20 are constructed of a soft, flexible plastic or polymeric material which includes silicone rubber, thermosensitive siliconised polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. It is envisioned thatfilter housings20 may also be manufactured of a flexible material which includes cardboard, a lightweight metal or metallic-plastic composite, such as gold, soft silver and plastic composites thereof.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-12, thefilter element40 is fabricated of a porous, absorbent, perforate, lightweight, non-allergenic, fibrous material and is easily replaceable. Fabrication materials are envisioned to include dense cotton felt, wool, woven and non-woven fibrous material, semi-rigid polyurethane foam, and reticulated foam produced from polyurethane or silicone, or from polyether, or polyester. Thefilter element40 is adapted to collect and retain aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and harmful airborne impurities.Filter element40 is inserted into each of thefilter housings20 andfilter housings20 are prominently positioned within the air flow within internalnasal passages14 of anose12 without significantly blocking air passage through thenasal passages14.

Thefilter element40 is adapted to be impregnated with various aromas, pleasant-smelling odorants or fragrance agents, medicaments, or therapeutic agents. For example,filter element40 can be impregnated with oxymetazoline in order to treat nasal congestion. Additionally, filtering action of thefilter element40 can be enhanced by the use of an adsorbant material such as charcoal being dispersed therethrough.

In use, the improvednasal filter10 provides protection for user's respiratory system against harmful impurities and pollutants in the air. In light of nasal filter's10 filtering qualities and porous construction, thenasal filter10 not only allows an individual to breathe clean air in a normal, unobstructed manner, but it also enhances user's overall health.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 1-3,9,10, and14, theflexible bridge30 affords important, additional novel utility as described hereinbelow. Thebridge30 includes opposing ends31,32 to which the pair offilter housings20 integrally joins respectively. Alternatively, the pair offilter housings20 are suitably attached to bridge30 at opposing ends31,32 thereof. Thus, in either configuration, thebridge30 includes afilter housing20 joined at each

end

31,32 thereof. Thebridge30 comprises anelongated membrane34 defining an upper and

lower surface area

35,36 and aperipheral edge37. Theperipheral edge37 ofmembrane34 defines portions of narrow width, indicated at38 and a central broad width at39. Thebridge30 is further defined as a soft, flexible, elongatedplanar membrane34 adapted to flexibly conform and removably adhere via adsorption to an outer contour and configuration of thenasal columella18 or nose tip of anose12. Thebridge30 is configured and adapted to traverse thenasal columella18 during application. More specifically, thebridge30 is fabricated of a soft, flexible, polymer-based material adapted to stretch and conform to the outer configuration of thenasal columella18 and retain such conformity so as to provide each individual user with a unique customized-fit. Once thebridge30 is stretched to conform to the outer configuration of a particular user'snasal columella18,bridge30 undergoes slight contraction, thereby adhering to thenasal columella18 or nose tip through adsorption. Therefore, afterbridge30 is distended to accommodate the contours of user'snasal columella18,bridge30 slightly contracts and maintains its configuration, thereby securing thebridge30 and thus the improvednasal filter10 to user'snose12.

The soft, flexible, polymer-based material is defined as single-crystal silicon, however, other soft, flexible plastic or polymeric materials suitable for constructingbridge30 include but are not limited to silicone rubber, thermosensitive siliconised polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.

Thebridge30 is constructed so as to be available in a variety of colors, including skin tone or flesh-color, or transparent.

Referring now toFIGS. 11-13, an alternate embodiment of thebridge30 is disclosed, whereinbridge30 comprises an elongatedflexible pad50 defining an upper and

lower surface area

51,52 and aperipheral edge54. Theperipheral edge54 ofpad50 defines portions of narrow width, indicated at55 and a central broad width at56.

An elongated, prolate-shapedretainer60 is centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement withinpad50, occupying a substantial portion of the centralbroad width56. Theretainer60 is constructed of a semi-flexible material adapted to bend to a shaped curvature and maintain the shaped curvature in its existing state. Thus,retainer60 is adapted to be bent to a curvature and to hold such curvature until or unless user subsequently bendsretainer60 to form an alternative curvature or straightensretainer60. In use, after carefully insertingfilter housings20 within the internalnasal passages14, thelower surface area52 ofpad50 is engaged against thenasal columella18 of thenose12, andretainer60 is bent to a curvature defining the contour of user'snasal columella18. Onceretainer60 has been forcibly re-shaped to accommodate the contours of user'snasal columella18,retainer60 maintains this configuration, thereby securing thepad50 and thus the improvednasal filter10 to user'snose12.

Theretainer60 is constructed of a semi-flexible material which includes a plastic, plastic polymer, or a lightweight metal such as aluminum, or a metallic-plastic composite.

Thelower surface area52 ofpad50 may include anacrylic adhesive carrier57 of about 0.0015 inch liner for die cutting is double-sided, adhesive-coated transparent polyethylene film, indicated bynumeral58. Theacrylic adhesive carrier57 is adapted to adhere to skin of thenose12. The transparent polyethylene film is coated on both sides with a hypoallergenic, pressure-sensitive, acrylate adhesive, supplied on areleasable liner53.

Thepad50 is constructed of a soft, flexible material which includes but is not limited to plastic, plastic polymer, or a textile. Thepad50 is constructed so as to be available in a variety of colors, including skin tone or flesh-color, or transparent.

The improvednasal filter10 is adapted to accommodatenoses12 of various shapes and sizes.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

To use the present invention, user inserts afilter element40 in eachfilter housing20. Next, user carefully inserts theposterior end20bof eachfilter housing20 within the internalnasal passages14 of user'snose12 in such a manner that theannular lip23 offilter housings20 is placed within thenasal passages14 just behind the narrowing of the nostril ala17. User next engages thelower surface area36 ofbridge30 against user'snasal columella18, and slightly stretches theplanar membrane34 ofbridge30 to conform to the outer configuration of user'snasal columella18, whereuponbridge30 undergoes slight contraction, thereby adheringbridge30 to user'snasal columella18 through adsorption. Hence, afterbridge30 is distended to accommodate the contours of user'snasal columella18,bridge30 slightly contracts and maintains this configuration thereby securingbridge30 and thus the improvednasal filter10 to user'snose12.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following Claims.

Claims

1. A nasal filter comprising:

a pair of filter housings, said pair of filter housings is joined by a flexible bridge, said pair of filter housings is each defined generally as having a semi-cylindrical or oval configuration and having a filter-insert cavity, wherein each of said pair of filter housings includes an anterior end opposing a posterior end; and

a filter element, said filter element is adapted to be received and removably held within said filter-insert cavity of each said pair of filter housings, said filter element is disposable.

2. The nasal filter ofclaim 1, wherein said filter housings are constructed of a soft, flexible, shape-memory plastic or polymeric material adapted to flexibly accommodate an anatomy of internal nasal passages of a nose.

3. The nasal filter ofclaim 1, wherein said anterior end of said filter housings defines an annular, bulbous upper surface from which an integral, continuous side wall extends downwardly therefrom, said continuous side wall tapers slightly from said anterior end at said bulbous upper surface to said posterior end of said filter housings.

4. The nasal filter ofclaim 3, wherein said bulbous upper surface is oriented so as to protrude toward said filter-insert cavity, thereby forming an annular lip against which said filter element is buttressed, said continuous side wall includes a recess encircling an inner surface thereof, and wherein said recess is located generally medially with respect to said inner surface of said continuous side wall.

5. The nasal filter ofclaim 1, wherein said filter element filter element is fabricated of a porous, absorbent, perforate, lightweight, non-allergenic, fibrous material.

6. The nasal filter ofclaim 4, wherein said filter element is inserted within said filter-insert cavity of each said filter housings in a manner such that an outer periphery of said filter element flexibly conforms and adapts to a contour of said recess, and in a manner such that an upper surface of said filter element contacts an underside of said annular lip, thereby snugly affixing said filter element within said filter housings until said filter element is desired to be removed by user, and wherein configuration of said anterior end of said filter housings allows said annular lip to be placed within the internal nasal passages just behind a narrowing of a nostril ala of the nose without significantly blocking air passage through the internal nasal passages, and thereby preventing dislodgement of said filter housings during normal daily activities which include walking, talking, working, eating, drinking, and laughing.

7. The nasal filter ofclaim 5, wherein said filter element is adapted to collect and retain aeroallergens, dust, pollen, animal dander, construction dusts, contagious contaminants, and other environmental pollutants, particulates, and harmful airborne impurities.

8. The nasal filter ofclaim 5, wherein said filter element is impregnated with at least one absorbant which includes various aromas, pleasant-smelling odorants or fragrance agents, medicaments, or therapeutic agents.

9. The nasal filter ofclaim 5, wherein said filter element having an adsorbant material dispersed therethrough so as to enhance filtering action of said filter element.

10. The nasal filter ofclaim 1, wherein said bridge comprises opposing ends to which said pair of filter housings integrally joins, respectively, and wherein said bridge further comprises an elongated membrane defining an upper and lower surface area and a peripheral edge, said peripheral edge defines portions of narrow width and a central broad width.

11. The nasal filter ofclaim 10, wherein said elongated membrane is further defined as soft and flexible and having a planar configuration, said elongated membrane is adapted to flexibly conform and removably adhere via adsorption to an outer contour and configuration of a nasal columella of the nose, said elongated membrane is configured and adapted to traverse the nasal columella during application of the nasal filter, and wherein said elongated membrane is adapted to stretch and conform to the outer contour and configuration of the nasal columella and to thereafter undergo slight contraction in a manner such that said elongated membrane adheres to the nasal columella through adsorption, and thereby providing each individual user with a unique customized-fit.

12. The nasal filter ofclaim 10, wherein said elongated membrane is constructed of a soft, flexible, polymer-based material.

13. The nasal filter ofclaim 11, wherein said soft, flexible, polymer-based material includes silicone rubber, thermosensitive siliconised polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.

14. The nasal filter ofclaim 11, wherein said soft, flexible, polymer-based material is single-crystal silicon.

15. The nasal filter ofclaim 10, wherein said bridge is constructed so as to be available in a variety of colors, including skin tone or flesh-color, or transparent.

16. The nasal filter ofclaim 8, wherein said absorbant is oxymetazoline.

17. A nasal filter comprising:

a pair of filter housings, said pair of filter housings is joined by a flexible bridge, said pair of filter housings is each defined generally as having a semi-cylindrical or oval configuration and having a filter-insert cavity, wherein each of said pair of filter housings includes an anterior end opposing a posterior end, each of said pair filter housings is constructed of a soft, flexible, shape-memory plastic or polymeric material adapted to flexibly accommodate an anatomy of internal nasal passages of a nose, said bridge comprises an elongated flexible pad defining an upper and lower surface area and a peripheral edge, said peripheral edge of said pad defines portions of narrow width and a central broad width;

a retainer, said retainer defines an elongated, prolate-shaped configuration, said retainer is centrally enveloped in a generally horizontal arrangement within said flexible pad, said retainer occupies a substantial portion of said central broad width; and

18. The nasal filter ofclaim 17, wherein said retainer is constructed of a semi-flexible material adapted to bend to a shaped curvature and maintain the shaped curvature in its existing state.

19. The nasal filter ofclaim 17, wherein said lower surface area of said flexible pad is adapted for engagement against a nasal columella of a nose, said retainer is adapted to bend to a curvature defining a contour of the nasal columella, said retainer maintains the curvature, thereby securing said flexible pad and thus the nasal filter to the nose.

20. The nasal filter ofclaim 17, wherein said lower surface area of pad includes an acrylic adhesive carrier of about0.0015 inch liner for die cutting is double-sided, adhesive-coated transparent film, said acrylic adhesive carrier is adapted to adhere to skin of the nose, said transparent film is coated on both sides with a hypoallergenic, pressure-sensitive, acrylate adhesive, supplied on a releasable liner.